What Is the Male Dress Code According to the Shafi’i School?

Answered by Shaykh Shuaib Ally

Question: Assalam alaykum,

What is the male dress code according to the Shafi’i school?

Answer: Assalamu ‘Alaykum,

I pray that you are well.

The minimum requirement for a male to cover in front of others is between the navel and the knees, non-inclusive. Uncovering that area in front of others, not including one’s wife, or for reasons of medical necessity, is impermissible.

This is a minimum requirement, and the area that one must cover for a prayer to be valid. It does not speak to what is appropriate to wear in normal everyday circumstances. Generally, not following one’s societal norms above meeting the minimal requirement is disliked.